2015 NFL Draft: Redskins Draft Prospects 11-15
By Chris West
La’el Collins, OT-OG
College Team: LSU
Size: 6’4″, 305 lbs
Speed: 40yd-5.12, 10yd-1.87
Measurements: Arms-33 and 1/4″, Hands-10 and 3/8″
La’el Collins is the top offensive linemen we have rated in the draft. He is projected to play RT or G in the NFL after being the LT at LSU for two years after a year at G. Collins isn’t a quick enough pass blocker to play LT in the NFL.
Collins was a team captain at LSU and was voted as team MVP. He was also named the top offensive linemen in the SEC for 2014 and a second team All-American. Collins is a solid prospect and will be a starter for someone in the NFL.
Strengths:
Collins has a very strong upper body and uses it well to drive defenders back and to the ground. He is a mean and physical player who will finish hard. Collins blocks down the line of scrimmage very well.
Collins is a technically proficient pass blocker. When initially beaten,he uses his quick feet to recover and square up on his opponent. Collins uses his length well in both pass protection and as a drive blocker.
Weaknesses:
Collins has problems with speedy pass rushers. He tends to get off-balance when he changes directions quickly and will lunge at defenders when beaten. Collins will need help from tight ends and running backs chipping the top rushers if he plays OT.
There are no great pass blocking prospects in this draft
Collins does not diagnose downfield blocks quickly. He needs to be in a power run system to be as effective as possible. Collins will also play too upright at times and that would expose him greatly at the NFL level.
Redskins fit:
Collins would start as a rookie at either G or RT for the Redskins. His first shot would be to challenge Tom Compton, Morgan Moses and Xavier Nixon at RT. If he doesn’t win that job, it would likely be because he had a problem keeping up with the pass rush and would move inside to G.
There are no great pass-blocking prospects in this draft. Collins could at least be versatile enough to play at multiple spots along the offensive line. He is the type of lineman that McCloughan has loved in the past.
Next: The Number Fourteen Redskins Draft Prospect